Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-2- 29552CA
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to ice fishing tip ups. A typical such tip up is placed
over a hole
cut in the ice of e.g. a lake or river, and holds a spool of line. The spool
of line typically
terminates at a baited hook, the hook being lowered into the water in
preparation for hooking
and retrieving a fish which takes the bait.
In a conventional tip up, when a fish takes the bait, and thus pulls on the
line, the pull
on the line activates free rotation of the spool in response to the pull on
the line. Namely,
the fish freely swims away with the bait and/or hook, and may or may not
become hooked.
Such rotation of the spool, typically operates to activate a signal device on
the tip up. The
activation of the signal device indicates to the fisherman that a fish has
moved the bait. The
fisherman moves to the tip up, and hopefully pulls in the fish.
However, by the time the fisherman gets to the tip up in response to
activation of the
signal device, the fish may have :>pit out the bait, or taken the bait off the
hook and spit out
the hook. One reason such failure to hook the fish occurs is because no
resistance is quickly
applied to the fishing line in response to the fish's strike, sufficient to
set the hook in the
mouth of the fish. Thus, since there is no pull by the fisherman shortly after
the fish takes
the bait, the fish is not hooked, the strike is wasted, and the fish gets
away. Good for the
fish. Not good for the one who is trying to catch fish.
By contrast, in conventional sport fishing, where the fisherman holds the rod
or line
in his hand, the fisherman responds to a strike, or other movement of bait by
the fish, by
promptly pulling or jerking the line upwardly to set the hook. This action
hopefully firmly
embeds the point of the hook, and thus the hook, in the mouth of the fish
before the fish can
spit out the hook.
In conventional ice fishing, tip ups which provide automated resistance or
jerk
response to a strike are known, and are accompanied by limited success in
actually retrieving
hooked fish. Some such tip ups severely restrict or stop pay out of line after
the fish strikes,
whereby the resistance applied may be limited to the resistance to payout of
line, and
whereby the fish may not be hooked, or a sufficiently large fish can break the
line. Other
such tip ups can pay out a substantial amount of fish line before applying the
resistance or
jerk, thus giving the fish time to get the bait off the hook and/or to feel
the hook, and to spit
out the hook before the resistance or jerk is activated. While such
conventional tip up
designs are known in the art, such designs are believed to have experienced
little, if any
success in the commercial marketplace because of their limited effectiveness
in hooking fish.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-3- 29552CA
It is an object of this invention to provide an ice fishing tip up which
responds
promptly to a fish biting the hook, With an aggressive jerk on the hook to set
the hook in the
fish's mouth, and which thereafter provides generally unrestricted payout of
such fishing line
as is carried on the spool.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-4- 29552CA
SUMMARY
This invention comprehends ice fishing tip ups which are generally comprised
of a
support structure, a collar, a shaft, a spring, a stop, a spool and a signal
device. The support
structure supports the tip up on a surface of ice through which a user wishes
to fish. The
collar is mounted to the support structure for extension along a first axis
transverse to the
support structure and toward a hole in the ice. The shaft is mounted in the
tip up along a
second axis which generally coincides with the first axis. The shaft is
mounted for rotation
with respect to the collar and is movable generally along the second axis
relative to the collar
between a released position and one of a plurality of longitudinally distinct
set positions. The
spring biases the shaft against movement of the shaft with respect to the
collar toward a
respective one of the set positions, thus to jerk the shaft upwardly relative
to the collar. The
stop, on one of the collar and the shaft, is mounted for temporarily coupling
the shaft and
the collar together when the shaft is moved to the set position against
biasing force of the
spring. The spool is adapted to carry fishing line and corresponding hook on
the fishing line,
the spool being mounted for rotation about a third axis concurrent with
rotation of the shaft
about the second axis. The signal device is activated when a fish pulls on the
hook.
In some embodiments, the spool is mounted for free-spool rotation about the
third axis
concurrent with rotation of the shaft about the second axis.
In preferred embodiments, the spool is free to rotate without active
restraint, and thus
to pay out fishing line, after the spring jerks the shaft upwardly.
In preferred embodiments, the ice fishing tip up comprises a slot extending
longitudinally of the collar, and a plurality of notches extending
transversely from the
direction of extension of the slot. The stop comprises a stud compatible with
traverse of the
stud along the slot when the shaft is moved to the set position against the
biasing force of
the spring, and with traverse into a selected one of the notches, whereby the
spring biases
the stud against the collar at an edge of the respective slot.
In preferred embodiments, the collar has a top edge, the slot extending
downwardly
from the top edge of the collar, the tip up being effectively set for hooking
fish by turning the
shaft, as necessary, about the second axis to bring the stud into alignment
with the slot,
pushing the shaft downwardly with respect to the collar and against biasing
resistance force
of the spring, whereby the stud progresses downwardly in the slot, turning the
shaft with
respect to the second axis and thereby engaging the stud in a selected notch,
and releasing
downward force on the shaft whereby the stud engages the collar at an
engagement edge
of the collar at the respective notch.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-5- 29552CA
In preferred embodiments, the stop accommodates uncoupling of the shaft and
the
collar when a fish pulls on the hook, resulting in the shaft, and thus the
hook, being jerked
upwardly by the biasing force of the spring, the spool being free to rotate
without active
restraint, and thus to pay out line, after the spring jerks the shaft
upwardly.
In some embodiments, release of the stud from engagement with the collar
comprises
frictional sliding of the stud against the collar at the respective engagement
edge of the collar
at the respective notch, whereby magnitude of the upward jerk and the
magnitude of the
sliding force both strongly correlate with the relative position of the
respective notch along
the length of the slot.
In other embodiments, relE:ase of the stud from engagement with the collar
comprises
rolling engagement of the stud against the collar at the respective engagement
edge of the
respective collar at the respective notch, whereby magnitude of force required
to effect
release of the stud from the respective notch is generally independent of the
relative position
of the notch along the length of the slot, while magnitude of the upward jerk
strongly
correlates to the relative position of the notch along the length of the slot.
In typical embodiments, tile spool is restrained against rotating and thus
paying out
line concurrent with the spring jerking the shaft upwardly. Also in typical
embodiments, the
spool can rotate about the third axis a limited distance before the spring
jerks the shaft
upwardly, the spool is generally restrained from rotation while the spring is
jerking the shaft
upwardly, and the spool can freely rotate and pay out line after the spring
jerks the shaft
upwardly.
The stop can be mounted on one of the collar and the shaft and can extend
toward
the other of the collar and the shaft, the other of the collar and the shaft
comprising a slot
extending longitudinally of the respective collar or shaft, and a plurality of
notches extending
transversely from the direction of extension of the slot. Such stop is
compatible with
traverse of the stop along the slot when the shaft is moved from the released
position to a
respective one of the set positions against the biasing force of the spring,
and with traverse
of the stop into a selected one of the notches, whereby the spring biases the
stop against
the collar at an engagement edge of the collar at the respective notch. In
such embodiments,
release of the stop from engagernent with the collar, and corresponding
uncoupling of the
shaft and the collar from each other when a fish pulls on the hook, results in
the spring
exerting an upward jerk on the shaft, and a corresponding upward jerk on the
hook. Such
release of the stop from engagement with the collar can comprise the recited
rolling
engagement of the stop against the respective edge of the collar at the
respective notch,
whereby magnitude of force required to effect release of the stop from the
respective notch
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-6- 29552CA
is generally independent of which of the notches along the length of the slot
is selected for
the set position of the stop.
In the alternative, such release of the stop from engagement with the collar
can
comprise the recited frictional sliding engagement of the stop against the
respective edge of
the collar at the respective notch, whereby magnitude of force required to
effect release of
the stud from the respective notch, and magnitude of the upward jerk, are both
related to the
relative position of the respective notch along the length of the slot.
In some embodiments, the. spool is mounted to the shaft and rotates about a
third axis
of rotation independent of rotation of the shaft.
In some embodiments, the spool can rotate about the third axis a limited
distance
before the spring jerks the shaft upwardly; the spool is generally restrained
from rotation
while the spring is jerking the shaft upwardly; and the spool can freely
rotate after the spring
jerks the shaft upwardly.
In some embodiments, the engagement edge of the collar at a respective notch
defines an angle a of about 2 degrees to about 25 degrees, preferably about 2
degrees to
about 10 degrees, with respect to a perpendicular measured from a line
parallel to the first
axis, whereby the biasing force of the spring urges the stud away from the
slot and into
enhanced engagement with the collar at a distal end of the notch.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-7- 29552CA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 shows a side elevation of a tip up of the invention in the set
position.
FIGURE 2 shows side elevation of a tip up of the invention in the released
position.
FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary cross-section of portions of the collar, the shaft,
and the
spring, along with a cross-section of one embodiment of the stud, illustrating
interactions of
the collar, shaft, spring, and stud.
FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side elevation illustrating a second embodiment of
the
notches.
FIGURE 5 shows a top view of a tip up of the invention when the tip up is
folded into
a compacted storage configuration.
FIGURE 6 is an enlarged representative fragmentary cross-section taken at 6-6
of
FIGURE 2, showing the mounting pins mounting the collar to the platform.
FIGURE 7 illustrates a fracamentary side elevation showing a preferred signal
device
structure, including a slotted base of the signal device, mounting bracket,
and a receptacle
in the platform.
FIGURE 8 is a top view, partially cut away and sectioned, of the cross handle,
shaft,
collar, and stud.
The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction
or the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capabNe of other embodiments or of being practiced
or carried out
in other various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and
phraseology
employed herein is for purpose of description and illustration and should not
be regarded as
limiting. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-8- 29552CA
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of tip ups of the
invention. Tip
up 10 includes a support structure platform 12 which rests on ice 14, and an
upstanding
support 16 which supports a spool 18 of fishing line 20 which distends
downwardly through
a hole 22 in ice 14, and into the water 24. In general, support 16 comprises a
shaft 26 and
a collar 28. Spool 18 is fixedly mounted to shaft 26 for rotation with the
shaft. Collar 28
is mounted to platform 12 at pivot pins 30. A line guide 31 is mounted on a
ring 33 which
is received on the lower end of shaft 26, above spool 18, for receiving the
fishing line
therethrough to thus guide the line as the line pays out of spool 18. Ring 33
is received on
shaft 26, rotates freely about shaft 26, and can move up and down on shaft 26
below collar
28. Line guide 31 is mounted on ring 33, and accordingly, rotates with ring 33
freely about
shaft 26 and moves up and down along shaft 26 with ring 33, and below collar
28. A tee-
shaped cross-handle 32 is mounted to shaft 26, preferably at or adjacent the
top of the
shaft.
As seen in e.g. FIGURE 3, shaft 26 is mounted inside tubular collar 28 for
generally
free rotation within the collar, bui: with orientation of shaft 26 with
respect to collar 28, and
rotation of shaft 26 with respect to collar 28, being restricted as described
below. Further,
shaft 26 is mounted inside tubular collar 28 in a manner enabling movement of
shaft 26
within collar 28 in a direction transverse to axes A1. Shaft 26 is supported
generally at a
top surface or top edge 34 of the collar by compression spring 36 which
extends between
top surface or edge 34 and a lower surface 38 of the cross handle. Thus, in
the set-up and
released configuration illustrated in FIGURE 2, the combined force of the
weight of shaft 26,
spool 18, and line 20, along with any pull on fishing line 20 through hook 25,
is applied to
compression spring 36 at cross handle 32.
A signal flag 42 is mounted through flag spring 44 to platform 12, and in use
is biased
under cross handle 32, as shown in FIGURE 1.
In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, pivot pins 30 extend through
platform
12 and into receptacles 46 on collar 28, such that collar 28, and thus shaft
26 and spool 18,
can be rotated about the e.g. hornontal axes A1 of pivot pins 30. Such
rotation of collar 28,
shaft 26, and spool 18 about pins 30 is used to bring the combination of
collar 28, shaft 26,
and spool 18 into alignment with platform 12 for storage as suggested by
FIGURE 5; without
hindering rotation of shaft 26 inside tubular collar 28 when the tip up is
being used for
fishing.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-9- 29552CA
As shown in FIGURE 5, wherein the tip up is shown in its collapsed storage
orientation, the illustrated platform is generally rectangular in shape when
observed from the
top, although the platform can comprise any shape which offers a suitable
surface for stable
engagement of the tip up against the top surface of the ice. In preferred
embodiments, a
longitudinally-centered portion of the platform has a generally reduced width
RW. The
location and width magnitude of the reduced width portion is selected
generally for desired
positioning of pivot pins 30 at the reduced width portion. The dimension of
width RW is
related to ease of grasping the tip up such as for carrying the tip up, and is
a factor in
specifying the lengths of pivot puns 30. Width RW should, of course, be
sufficiently great
to be consistent with structurau requirements of the tip up in normally
anticipated use
environments.
As illustrated in FIGURE fi, pivot pins 30 are threaded so as to engage
respectively
threaded side walls of apertures 4$ which extend through platform 12 at the
reduced width
portion. Axis A1' of apertures 48 generally corresponds with axis A1 of pins
30, which axes
A1 and A1' extend at a preferably perpendicular angle through longitudinal
axis A2 of
platform 12 as well as being perpendicular to axis A3 of collar 28 and shaft
26.
An elongate aperture 46 Extends through platform 12 from a top surface 48 of
the
platform, to a bottom surface 50 of the platform. Aperture 46 extends
generally along axis
A2. Aperture 46 is sized and configured to receive support 16 and spool 18,
and to
accommodate rotation of the support and spool about axis A 1. Aperture 46
includes
enlarged opposing end portions for receiving spool 18 and cross handle 32, and
an
intervening elongate rectangular portion which is compatible with receiving
the shaft, the
spring, and the collar. The functiion of aperture 46 is to house the support
and spool when
the tip up is folded as in FIGURE 5, for compact shipping and storage as well
as to receive
and support upstanding support 16 and spool 18 when the tip up is in use.
Mounting block 51 extends about collar 28 at the reduced width portion of
platform
12, is positioned between platform 12 and collar 28, and generally fills a
desired portion of
aperture 46 between platform 1:? and collar 28, proximate pivot pins 30.
Mounting block
51 contains threaded apertures 52 for receiving threaded pivot pins 30.
Threaded apertures
52 must be of sufficient depth to receive pivot pins 30, without pins 30
engaging collar 28.
Additionally, the cross-sections of apertures 52 are sized to readily and
snugly receive pins
30.
Threaded set screws 53 threadedly engage threaded apertures 52 and are
advanced
against collar 28, thereby to fixedly mount mounting block 51 to collar 28.
Pivot pins 30 are
threadedly advanced through apertures 54 in the platform and into threaded
engagement with
, CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-10- 29552CA
apertures 52 of mounting block 51. As heads 56 of pins 30 come into engagement
with
platform 12, further advance of pins 30 draws platform 12 into frictional
engagement with
mounting block 51. Such frictional engagement of platform 12 and mounting
block 51
enables locking of support 16 at a desired angular position, relative to pivot
pins 30, with
respect to platform 12. Such angular position can be, for example, the storage
position of
e.g. FIGURE 5 or the use position of e.g. FIGURE 1.
Mounting block 51 must define sufficient strength to support and secure
upstanding
support 16 during normal use of tip up 10. Set screws 53 are illustrated on
opposing sides
of collar 28 within apertures 52 iin mounting block 51.
Each set screw 53 is threaded so as to engage the threads of mounting block 51
and
is inserted into aperture 52. As the set screw is installed, the rotation of
the set screw is
continued until secure engagement of mounting block 51 with collar 28 is
achieved.
Thereafter, pivot pins 30 are inserted into apertures 48, and turned so as to
engage
threads of the pivot pins with threads of the mounting block at apertures 52,
thus to urge
platform 12 into frictional engagement with mounting block 51 . Set screws 53,
apertures
52, pivot pins 30 and apertures 48 are preferably mutually aligned along axes
A1 and A1'
when engagement and securement of the pins into apertures 48, 52 and into
mounting block
51, are accomplished.
So long as mounting block 51 is securely engaged with collar 28 by set screws
53,
pivot pins 30 can be rotated to secure platform 12 to mounting block 51 as
described above.
Likewise, pivot pins 30 can still be rotated in a direction opposite of that
required for
engagement to disengage mounting block 51 from platform 12. During such
disengagement,
block 51 and platform 12 preferably remain in contact, with reduced, if any,
frictional
engagement between block 51 arid platform 12, and provide for rotation of
support member
16 about axis A 1 ' and with respect to platform 12.
Mounting block 51 is engaged and secured to platform 12 by the rotation of the
threaded pivot pins 30 e.g. in a clockwise direction, as described above.
Likewise, mounting
block 51 is disengaged from platform 12 by rotation of pins 30 in e.g. a
counterclockwise
direction opposite that direction required to engage the pins with bock 51.
Mounting block 51 can be attached to collar 28 solely by friction between
collar 28
and block 51. Mounting block 51 is generally made of a corrosion resistant
material,
preferably aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, or other material commonly
known in the art.
It is contemplated that set screws 53 can represent any fixed securement known
in the art
such as rivets, welds, a nut and bolt assembly, pins, or otherwise. Whatever
the attachment
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-1 1- 29552CA
of block 51 to collar 28, such attachment does not interfere with free angular
rotation, or
longitudinal movement, of shaft 26 within collar 28.
While pins 30 have been illustrated as extending through platform 12 into
block 51,
such pins can, in the alternative, be conventionally mounted to platform 12 so
as to extend
through apertures 48 in combination with being spring-biased inwardly into
apertures 52 in
mounting block 51.
Flag 42, wire 43, and flag spring 44 operate in combination as a signal
device. Flag
spring 44 is attached to the platform at a location compatible with an upper
portion of wire
43 being placed under cross handle 32 when the tip up is in the set position
as in FIGURE
1. Wire 43 extends upwardly from spring 44 to the flag. While the illustrated
embodiment
depicts spring 44 mounted to platform 12, in other embodiments, flag spring 44
is mounted
to platform 12 and is otherwise spring-loaded between platform 12 and flag 42.
Such further
embodiments enable wire 43 to be removably or fixedly attached to platform 12
while
incorporating the spring 44 generally along the length of wire 43 to provide
the signal
function when the tip up is triggered by a fish strike.
Such spring loading can be effected by a separate spring element such as
spring 44.
In the alternative, such spring to<3ding can be effected by selecting, for
wire 43, a material
having resilient spring properties, such as one of the class of materials
known as "spring
steel."
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 5, angular position of the length of cross handle
32, e.g.
with respect to axis A3, is necessarily defined within a narrow range across
platform 12
when wire 43 is engaged at lower surface 38 in the set position illustrated in
FIGURE 1. As
indicated above, the angular position of the stud on shaft is coordinated with
cross handle
32 so that stud 66 is aligned with slot 62 and a notch 64 when cross handle 32
is in a
desired angular position. In preferred embodiments, collar 28 and stud 66 are
angularly
oriented about axis A3 such that stud 66 is aligned along shaft 26, in
alignment with the
marked end of cross handle 32, and slot 62 is aligned to receive stud 66 when
the marked
end 67 of the cross handle is oriented in the "set" position. In such
orientation, the marked
end 67 of the handle, stud 66, and slot 62, are all in alignment along collar
28 when the
cross handle is in the set position. Such embodiment is illustrated in FIGURE
8, with the stud
having been turned slightly out of alignment with slot 62 in entering a notch
64 (not seen in
FIGURE 8).
Flag spring 44 can comprise any material which can be repeatedly flexed and
which
resiliently returns generally to its unbiased, e.g. unflexed, condition, e.g.
FIGURE 2, when a
biasing force is removed. Flag spring 44 is used to resiliently mount flag 42
to the platform
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-12- 29552CA
and to urge the flag into an upright position upon activation of the tip up
when a fish pulls
on the hook. In the embodiment: shown in FIGURES 1, 2, and 5, the flag spring
is located
adjacent one end of the platform and is attached to the platform at top
surface 56. Flag
spring 44 can be attached elsewhere to platform 12 so long as flag 42 can be
moved a
sufficient distance by spring 44 1:o attract attention of a user when the
signal device/flag is
activated. Generally, flag 42 is attached to wire 43 at or adjacent an upper
end of the wire,
while wire 43 is attached to flag spring 44 at or adjacent a lower end of the
wire.
While the signal device has been described as a flag on a spring-loaded wire,
other
known signaling devices are contemplated, which other signaling devices will
be activated
at times corresponding in general to activation of flag 42 as described below.
Such known
alternative signaling devices can include, for example and without limitation,
a steady light,
a flashing light, or a steady or intermittent audible signal. The signaling
device can include
use of a computer, computer chip, or other electronic device to activate the
signal when a
fish strikes. Such electronic device can include a transmitter which transmits
the signal to
e.g. a remote wireless receiver being carried or otherwise monitored by the
user.
In FIGURE 7, a second embodiment of a flag-type signal device and its
attachment to
platform 12 are illustrated. Figure 7 focuses on the signal device proximate
the area of
attachment to platform 12. A flag 42 (not shown) is disposed on the distal end
of the wire
as in FIGURES 1 and 2. The signal device, as depicted, includes wire 43,
spring 44, primary
shaft 85, secondary shaft 86, and mounting bracket 81. In contrast to the
signal device
illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 5., spring 44 in FIGURE 7 is disposed between
wire 43 and
shaft 85, with optional secondary shaft 86 between spring 44 and wire 43. In
the preferred
embodiment, secondary shaft 86 is deleted whereby spring 44 is attached
directly to wire
43 as in FIGURES 1, 2, and 5. Secondary shaft 86 and primary shaft 85, where
both are
used, are independent members which are joined by spring 44. Secondary shaft
86 and
primary shaft 85, in the preferred embodiment, are separate segments in order
to enable
spring 44 to function without unnecessary structural restraint.
However, in other embodiments, the combination of secondary shaft 86 and
primary
shaft 85 can be defined by a continuous member if the unity of the shafts does
not inhibit
the operation of spring 44. Furi:her, a singular shaft of rubber or other
resiliently flexible
material can be used to provide sufficient support and resilient flexibility
to provide the
functionality of each member as otherwise described herein, with or without
incorporation
of a spring as a separate elemernt.
In an exemplary embodiment, aperture 80 extends through shaft 85 proximate end
87 of shaft 85 remote from flag ~42. Aperture 80 defines a longitudinal slot
in shaft 85 for
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-13- 29552CA
receiving mounting bracket pin 83. Mounting bracket pin 83 is secured to
mounting bracket
81. Mounting bracket pin 83 can permissively rotate about its own longitudinal
axis but
must be securely mounted on bracket 81 so as to support shaft 85, spring 44,
wire 43, and
flag 42. In lieu of mounting bracket pin 83, other attachment means known by
those skilled
in the art can be used.
Mounting bracket 81 is attached and secured to platform 12 by mounting bracket
screws 82. Mounting bracket screws 82 can be replaced with any attachment
means known
in the art which will attach mounting bracket 81 to platform 12. In the
embodiment of
FIGURE 7, platform 12 contains receptacle 84 for receiving end 87. In this
embodiment, the
signal device function remains the same as elsewhere detailed herein. However,
the method
in which the signal device is attached to platform 12 is varied. By including
aperture 80 in
signal device shaft 85, the signaN device is selectively securable by the user
of the tip up in
either the storage position shown in solid outline in FIGURE 7, or in the "in
use" position
shown in dashed outline. Aperture 80 enables movement of the signal device
between the
storage and "in use" positions.
Shaft 85 is movable in all directions confined only by aperture 80 which is
typically
rectangular, elliptical, or similarly shaped. In the illustrated embodiment,
pin 83 generally
resists rotational movement of shaft 85 about an upright axis, and thereby pin
83 limits
movement of shaft 85 to movement about the generally horizontal axis defined
by pivot pin
83.
A plurality of mounting brackets can be utilized in the assembly. Likewise, a
plurality
of mounting configurations are also contemplated. As shown in FIGURE 7,
mounting pin 83
is received in aperture 80 whereby shaft 85 can be moved longitudinally of the
shaft, thus
to move distal end 87 toward pin 83, whereby the shaft can be rotated about
pin 83 to bring
distal end 87 of the shaft into alignment with receptacle 84. When end 87 is
positioned
above receptacle 84, end 87 can move downwardly into receptacle 84, thus
temporarily
fixing the signal apparatus in a generally upright orientation as shown in
dashed outline in
FIGURE 7.
While platform surface 58 is resting on ice 14 as shown in FIGURE 2, end 87
remains
in receptacle 84 under the influence of gravity. Flag 42 is then engaged under
cross handle
32, along with bending of spring 44, as before. End 87 remains secured in
receptacle 84
while the tip up is being used, whether in the set position as illustrated in
FIGURE 1, during
the period the user is waiting a fish strike, during release of the tip up due
to a fish strike,
and after the tip up has operated as illustrated in FIGURE 2. End 87 is
removed from
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-14- 29552CA
receptacle 84, and the entire signal device is laid down as shown in FIGURES 5
and 7, when
tip up 10 is being stored or transported.
Flag hook 60 is mounted on top surface 56 of platform 12. Hook 60 is open
toward
top surface 56 and receives a top portion of wire 43 thus to hold wire 43 and
flag 42 down
generally against the platform for shipping and storage of the tip up as shown
in FIGURE 5.
As seen in e.g. FIGURES 11 and 2, the angular orientation of cross handle 32
on shaft
26 is coordinated with the angular position of stud 66 on shaft 26, both with
respect to axis
A3 of the shaft, such that cross Handle 32 extends transverse to the length of
wire 43 when
the upper end of the wire is brought down against shaft 26 and stud 66 has
been set in a
notch 64. Wire 43 can accordingly be moved downwardly and engaged under cross
handle
32 at lower surface 38 as illustrated in FIGURE 1 .
In exemplary embodiments, cross handle 32 possesses at least one marked end
67,
traverse to shaft 26, which is angled, painted, or otherwise marked for
identification, and
which is directly aligned with stud 66 along axes A3 so that the marked end 67
of cross bar
32 is in direct axial alignment with stud 66. In this exemplary embodiment,
stud 66 is easily
aligned visually by the user with any of notches 64 in slot 62 when the tip up
is biased into
set position.
Line guide 31 generally comprehends a slotted stem depending from ring 33,
which
enables fishing line accepted from the spool to be fed through the slot. The
line guide and
ring are generally made of rust proof material, for example aluminum,
stainless steel, plastic,
or other material commonly known in the art. Primary function of the line
guide is to feed
line from spool 18 when a fish takes the bait, or nibbles on the bait and/or
hook. Line guide
31 also assists in keeping the fishing line from becoming entangled about
spool 18 and/or
collar 28 and/or shaft 26. In addition, the free rotation of ring 33 about
axis A3 and shaft
26 enables the line guide, which is mounted to ring 33, to rotate freely about
axis A3 and
shaft 26. Accordingly, as line is drawn from the spool, the line guide rotates
into alignment
between the spool and the direction from which line is being drawn from the
spool. As a
result, the line guide automaticaVly aligns itself with the direction from
which line is being
withdrawn, such that the line is drawn from the spool, through the line guide
generally along
a radial axis of the spool, allowing for minor misalignment therefrom related
to the thickness
of the roll of windings of line on the spool. In keeping with the mounting of
ring 33 on shaft
26, line guide 31 is free both to rotate about shaft 26, and to move up and
down on shaft
31, e.g. in directions parallel to axis A3.
Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, collar 28 extends along axis A3' and, in use, is
generally disposed in an upright orientation, thus to extend through hole 14
in the ice. As
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-15- 29552CA
illustrated, collar 28 includes a slat 62 extending longitudinally of the
collar and downwardly
from top edge 34 of the collar. A plurality of notches 64 extend transversely
from slot 62,
thus to provide for communication between slot 62 and notches 64. In preferred
embodiments, notches 64 extend generally horizontally from slot 62 when the
tip up is in the
upright, set orientation shown in FIGURES 1 and 2
As seen in FIGURES 1-4, a stud 66 extends outwardly from shaft 26 at an
intermediate locus along the length of the shaft. The longitudinal positioning
of stud 66 on
shaft 26 is selected such that, when compression spring 36 is in its generally
uncompressed
condition as in FIGURE 2, the stud is between top edge 34 of the collar and
cross handle 32
of the shaft. A further condition of location of stud 66 is that, when spring
36 is
compressed as to set the tip up as in FIGURE 1, stud 66 can be guided along
slot 62 and into
one of notches 64.
Stud 66 can be as simple as a piece of metal rod welded or otherwise affixed
to the
side of shaft 26, or a piece of metal rod inserted into a cooperating aperture
in shaft 26. It
is critical that stud 66 be sufficiently rigidly affixed to shaft 26 to act as
an engagement
interface engaging shaft 26 with respect to collar 28 at a selected one of the
respective
notches 64.
The stud illustrated in substantial detail in FIGURE 3 shows a threaded shaft
68
threaded into a correspondingly threaded aperture 70 in tubular shaft 26, and
wherein the
distal end of stud 66 is embedded into a recess 72 in the opposing wall of
shaft 26. In the
alternative, stud 66 and the respective aperture in shaft 26 can be so sized
and configured
that stud 66 is retained in the aperture by a friction fit.
A variety of configurations can be used for cross-section of shaft 26. Shaft
26 can
be, for example and without limitation, a solid rod as shown in FIGURE 6, a
hollow thin-
walled tube where weight reduction is desired as in FIGURE 3, or a thick-
walled tube where
a combination of weight control and strength is desired. Where shaft 26 is
e.g. a solid rod,
aperture 70 extends into shaft 26 a sufficient distance that shaft 68 of stud
66 can interface
with a suitable length of aperture 70 to stabilize stud 66 in the aperture. In
that regard,
aperture 70 can extend into shaft 26 as a blind aperture, or can extend
entirely through the
thickness of shaft 26.
Whatever the configuration of shaft 26, stud 66 can interface with aperture 70
with
a threaded fit, a forced friction fit, or any ather known method of locking a
stud and aperture
together in the available space.
As illustrated in FIGURES '~ and 3, spring 36 is mounted over shaft 26,
between cross
handle 32 and top edge 34 of collar 28, and is sized with sufficient diameter
clearance, and
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-16- 29552CA
the length of extension of stud Ei6 from shaft 26 is so controlled, as to
enable spring 36,
during any compression or move of resilient restoration, to pass over the stud
without the
stud interfering with such movement of the spring, or the spring interfering
with movement
of the stud downwardly e.g. into slot 62.
In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, spring 36 can be mounted inside a
hollow such shaft 26.
Further, while spring 36 has been described as a compression spring, a tension
spring
can as well be used, with suitable modification of restraint structure to
accommodate the
change from a compression spring to a tension spring.
Size and strength of spring 36 is selected such that the uncompressed,
expanded and
generally resting condition of the spring, though bearing the weight of shaft
26 and spool of
line 18, maintains stud 66 above the top edge 34 of collar 28, while in the
compressed
condition, the restorative force on the spring is sufficient to firmly set the
hook without
tearing the hook out of the fish's mouth. Thus, when the stud is set in one of
notches 64,
the restorative force on spring 3fi is about 1 pound to about 30 pounds,
preferably about 4
pounds to about 22 pounds. In an exemplary embodiment, the force required to
set the stud
in the first notch closest to the top of collar 28 was 7 pounds of force; and
the force required
to set the stud in the last notch, farthest from the top of the collar, was 18
pounds of force.
Referring again to FIGURE 3, stud 66 is illustrated with an optional head 74,
the head
being generally characterized as an enlarged engagement surface for engaging
corresponding
engagement surfaces of notches 64. Whether or not stud 66 includes a head, the
portion
of the stud which extends outwardly from shaft 26 operates as an engagement
surface of
the stud which engages a corresponding engagement surface 76 of collar 28 at
the upper
edge of a respective notch 64. It is this engagement of stud 66 against collar
28 at notch
64 which holds the shaft in the desired set position when the tip up is set up
on the ice and
waiting for a fish to bite on the hook.
The engagement of stud Ei6 against engagement surface 76 of the respective
notch
can be e.g. a frictional engagement or a rolling engagement. A frictional
engagement exists
where stud 66 presents a non-rolling surface to engagement surface 76, for
example where
stud 66 is a solid shaft or tube. A rolling engagement exists where e.g. a
rotating wheel 77
is mounted at the exposed outer end of stud 66 so as to rotate with respect to
the shaft of
stud 66. Such rotating wheel 77 is desirably mounted to the stud shaft by a
bearing such
as bearing 78 illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4.
Collar 28 and shaft 26 can be made of any suitable materials, but in preferred
embodiments, preferred materials are metals such as aluminum or stainless
steel. Certain
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-17- 29552CA
polymeric materials can also be used, and are selected for tolerance of the
cold use
conditions in which tip ups are used. In that regard, there can be mentioned,
for example and
without limitation, selected polyesters, polyamides, and higher density
polyethylenes.
Typically but not necessarily, the material used for one of shaft 26 and
collar 28 is also used
in making the other of shaft 26 and collar 28.
Generally, the length of collar 28 is less than the length of shaft 26.
Structures are
selected for use in making collar ~'.8 and shaft 26 so that shaft 26 is
received inside collar 28
with a close but loose fit, whereby shaft 26 can freely rotate within collar
28 while being
closely confined in general axial alignment with collar 28 such that axis A3'
of shaft 26
generally coincides with axis A3 of collar 28. Collar 28 also allows for
relatively and
generally unrestricted movement of shaft 26 in both e.g. up and down
longitudinal directions
along the length of collar 28. Collar 28 is securely mounted for pivotation
with respect to
platform 12 by pivot pins 30. Pivot pins 30 enable the user to rotate or
adjust the collar as
desired about pins 30 into a set-up configuration such as for using the tip up
for fishing
(FIGURES 1 and 21, and into a storage or shipping configuration as illustrated
in FIGURE 5.
In a first family of conventional tip ups, the shaft is free to rotate within
the collar
when the tip up is set for fishing. Thus, when a fish takes the bait such as
at the hook or
other fishing tackle located at the end of the line, and thus pulls on the
line, the pull on the
line exerts a rotational force on the spool and thus on the shaft such that
the shaft turns
freely inside the collar, this free-turning being known as free-spooling. Free
spooling provides
for generally unrestricted release of line, subject to any friction associated
with rotation of
the shaft inside the collar, as the fish swims away. As the shaft turns, the
tee-shaped cross
handle at the top of the shaft turns with turning of the shaft. The turning of
the cross handle
rotates the cross handle from its overlying position with respect to an upper
portion of the
wire, thus to release the flag from its constraint under the cross handle. As
the flag is
released from under the cross handle of the shaft, the spring at the base of
the flag returns
to an upright orientation, and thus. raises the flag. The resulting upright
orientation of the flag
is a signal to the fisherman that a fish may be available for catching. The
fisherman moves
to the tip up, and hopefully pulls in a fish.
In a second family of known tip ups, an upright shaft is spring loaded to a
collar,
whereby the spring jerks the shaft upwardly when the shaft is rotated in the
collar. The
spool is mounted on a horizontal shaft under the water, the horizontal shaft
being mounted
to the upright shaft. When a fish takes the bait, the spool pays out a
significant length of
line, and then stops rotating and paying out line, before transferring the
force, which is
pulling on the line, to the upright shaft, thereby to rotate the upright shaft
and set the hook.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-18- 29552CA
Thus, in this family of tip ups, substantial line is paid out before the hook
is set, and once the
hook is set, rotation of the spool is prevented whereby the spool is no longer
able to pay out
any more line.
Returning now to the invention, the basic concept of the invention is to set
the tip up
for a rapid hooking jerk response promptly after a fish begins swimming away
with the bait,
while enabling the fish to take additional line after the hook is set.
Accordingly, a tip up of
the invention is set for fishing as follows. First the user takes the tip up
out of the storage
configuration illustrated in FIGURI= 5 by rotating the combination of collar
28, shaft 26, and
spool 18 about pins 30 to the set-up configuration illustrated in FIGURE 2.
The user then
baits the hook as desired, and sets the tip up on the ice with spool 18,
collar 28, and shaft
26 extending downwardly into the water through ice hole 22. That leaves collar
28, spring
36, shaft 26, and cross handle 32 extending upwardly from the ice hole.
The user then grasps cross handle 32, rotates shaft 26, as necessary, to bring
stud
66 into alignment with slot 62, and pushes the shaft downwardly in collar 28,
against the
resistance of compression spring 36. As the shaft is pushed downwardly in the
collar against
the resistance of spring 36, stud 66 moves downwardly in slot 62. The user
selects a
desired notch 64, and rotates the shaft to bring the stud into the desired
notch when the
stud is horizontally aligned with the notch. Restorative forces on compression
spring 36 urge
the stud upwardly toward engagement surface 76 of collar 28 at the top edge of
the
respective selected notch. The user then releases the downward force whereby
compression
spring 36 urges stud 66 upwardly into engagement with engagement surface 76 of
collar 28
at the top edge of the notch. With the stud thus engaged in a selected notch
as in FIGURE
1, the user grasps wire 43 and places an upper portion of the wire under cross
handle 32
against the restorative force of flag spring 44. The tip up is thus set, and
ready to respond
to a fish taking the bait and respectively drawing line from spool 18.
In the given set configuration, spring 36 is exerting an upward force on shaft
26,
which upward force is being resisted by the engagement of stud 66 against
engagement
surface 76 at the upper edge of l:he respective notch. The magnitude of the
upward force,
and thus the magnitude of the jerk when stud 66 is released from the notch, is
directly
related to the degree of compres lion of spring 36. The degree of compression
of spring 36
depends which of the notches 64 is engaged by stud 66. The lower the notch,
the greater
the degree of compression of spring 36, the greater the magnitude of the jerk
force applied
by spring 36, as well as the greater the distance of the jerk, when stud 66 is
released from
the notch. Thus, for a more aggressive jerk, stud 66 is engaged in a lower
notch. For a less
aggressive jerk, stud 66 is engaged in a relatively upper notch.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-19- 29552CA
When a fish pulls on hook 25, thus on fishing line 20 and spool 18, such pull
is
resisted by any friction between stud 66 and the engagement surface of the
collar at the
respective notch. Where no provision is made for rotation of stud 66, the
friction is
controlled by principles of slidinca friction between stud 66 and engagement
surface 76.
Where provision is made for facile rotation of a surface of stud 66 which is
engaged with
engagement surface 76, such as by bearing mounted wheel 77, the friction is
controlled by
principles of rolling engagement friction.
Thus, where stud 66 incorporates a bearing as at bearing 78 of FIGURE 3, the
force
required to release stud 66 from engagement with the notch and to thereby
release the stud
into slot 62 is relatively independent of the magnitude of the resistance
being exerted by
compression spring 36, and thus relatively independent of the selection of the
notch into
which the stud is received. Byr contrast, where stud 66 does not provide for
rolling
engagement with surface 76, the force required to release stud 66 from
engagement with
the notch and to thereby release the stud into slot 62 is directly related to
the magnitude of
the resistance being exerted by compression spring 36.
Correspondingly, where release of the stud from engagement with the collar
comprises rolling engagement of the stud with respect to the engagement edge
of the collar
at the notch, the magnitude of force required to effect release of the stud
from the collar is
generally independent of the relative position of the notch along the length
of the slot, while
magnitude of the upward jerk is related to the relative position of the notch
along the length
of the slot.
By contrast where release of the stud from engagement with the collar
comprises
frictional sliding engagement of the stud with respect to the engagement edge
of the collar
at the notch, the magnitude of force required to effect release of the stud
from the respective
notch is generally affected by the relative position of the respective notch
along the length
of the slot, and magnitude of the upward jerk is related to the relative
position of the
respective notch along the length of the slot.
When a fish takes the bait on the hook, e.g. begins to swim away with the
bait, the
pull on the line tends to cause rotation of shaft 26 inside collar 28, against
whatever
resistance is applied at the interface between stud 66 and engagement surface
76 in the
notch, coupled with residual friction related to rotation of shaft 26 inside
collar 28.
Magnitude of such resistance can be somewhat controlled by the user by
selection of notch
64 and by selection of sliding or rolling engagement design of stud 66.
Notches 64 extend
from slot 62 in a direction compatible with releasing stud 66 from a
respective notch when
shaft 26 is rotating in a direction consistent with spool 18 paying out
fishing line 20.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-20- 29552CA
Assuming the pull force is great enough to overcome the sliding friction or
rolling
resistance between stud 66 and Engagement surface 76 at the top of the
respective notch,
shaft 26 begins to rotate. As the fish pulls on the hook, whereby spool 18 and
shaft 26
rotate responsively to thereby begin paying out line, stud 66 moves along
engagement
surface 76 toward slot 62. When stud 66 moves out of the respective notch 64
and into
slot 62, the restorative forces on spring 36 cause the spring to expand
rapidly, thereby
applying a jerk movement to shaft 26, which is translated through shaft 26 to
spool 9 8,
bringing spool 18, and thus the respective hook 25 on the end of the line, up
with it.
The rapid upward movement of the line and hook sets the hook, hopefully in the
mouth of the fish. It is important that the force of expansion of compression
spring 36 be
great enough to exert a sharp pull or jerk on the hook when stud 66 leaves
notch 64 and
wherein the pull or jerk accelerates substantially faster than the unwinding
of line from the
spool accelerates in response to the mass or restraint of the fish, thus to
exert an actual jerk
impulse force at the hook sufficient to assist in setting the hook. The net
result to the fish
is a rapid, forceful jerk on the line when the fish first pulls hard enough on
the bait or hook
to cause sufficient rotation of shaft 26 to release stud 66 from the
respective notch. This
rapid forceful jerk operates much like the fisherman's manual upward jerk to
set the hook as
he holds a rod in his hands while fishing in an open water, e.g. not ice
fishing, setting.
So long as stud 66 remains in slot 62, shaft 26 and spool 18 are free to
rotate with
respect to collar 28 only to the extent of movement of stud 66 toward slot 62.
Thus, it is
critical that stud 66 be positioned along the length of shaft so as to be
positioned above top
edge 34 of collar 28 when compression spring 36 has completed its upward
expansion as
it jerks shaft 26 upwardly. With stud 66 positioned above collar 28 at
completion of the
upward jerk expansion, shaft 26 can rotate in collar 28 without restriction
other than the
friction associated with free rotational engagement of the shaft inside collar
28.
Thus, tip up 10 applies a substantial hook-setting jerk shortly after the fish
begins
taking line. The length of line 20 which can be taken, and thus the distance
of rotation of
spool 18 and shaft 26 before activating the jerk, generally corresponds with
the distance "D"
which must be traversed by stud 66 before restorative forces on spring 36
complete the
release of the stud from the notch. In general, distance "D" can be measured
between the
edge of slot 62 and the center of stud 66 in the notch. A longer distance can
be effected
by setting stud 66 against the blind end of the respective notch 64. A lesser
distance can
be effected by setting stud 66 closer to slot 62. The range of potential
distances "D" can
be further controlled by specification of the length of notch 64, from slot 62
to the blind end
of the notch. Overall, distance "D" is typically between about 0.25 inch and
about 1 inch.
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-21- 29552CA
Distance "D" of less than 0.25 inch bears an undesirable level of risk of
inadvertent release
of the stud from the respective notch before a fish interacts with the bait.
Distance "D"
greater than 1 inch corresponds with notches of such length dimension to the
blind end of
the notch that a substantial fraction of the circumference of collar 28 is cut
away in defining
the notches, thereby potentially compromising strength of collar 28.
Once the set stud 66 reaches slot 62 in a disengagement, decoupling action,
and
while shaft 26 is being jerked upwardly by compression spring 36, rotation of
shaft 26 is
confined by the width of slot 62. Thus, shaft 26 is essentially restricted
against rotation
while spring 36 is effecting the upward jerk. However, once the upward jerk
has raised stud
66 above top edge 34 of the collar, shaft 26 is free to rotate with respect to
collar 28, and
can rotate freely with respect to collar 28.
Further control of release of stud 66 can be effected by design of the
respective
notches 64 at engagement surfaces 76. Referring to FIGURE 4, starting at slot
62,
engagement surface 76 extends upwardly at an angle a from an imaginary
baseline BL which
is perpendicular to slot 62 and thus to an imaginary reference line RL which
is parallel to axis
A3 of shaft 26. Magnitudes of angle a generally up to about 10 degrees can be
used,
especially in combination with rolling engagement, in order to automatically
urge stud 66
toward the blind end of the notch and into an enhanced engagement with the
collar at the
blind end, whereby the upward pull of compression spring 36 assists in
retaining stud 66 in
the respective notch until such time as a fish pulls on the line and thereby
begins rotation of
spool 18 and shaft 26. Preferred magnitude of angle a is about 2 degrees to
about 10
degrees. Where the angle is less than about 2 degrees, little benefit is seen
in applying a
such angle a. Where the angle is greater than about 10 degrees, the magnitude
of the angle
can so increase the pull force at hook 25 required to release stud 66 that
desired activation
of the tip up operation is compromised. Angle a can be greater than 10 degrees
where such
increased release force is desired, or to balance the ease of release
associated with a bearing-
mounted head on stud 66. In any event, angle a is typically not greater than
about 25
degrees.
While the invention has been described in terms of slot 62 and notches 64
being
defined in collar 28, with corresponding stud 66 in shaft 26, such imagery can
be reversed
such that slot 62 and notches 64 are defined in shaft 26, and stud 66 is
defined in collar 28.
In such configuration, the engaging end of stud 66 extends inwardly into shaft
26, and
engagement of stud 66 in a notch 64 comprises slot 62 moving downwardly past,
and into
engagement with, a relatively stationary stud 66, whereas in the embodiments
illustrated in
CA 02379911 2002-03-28
-22- 29552CA
the drawings, a mobile stud 66 moves downwardly past, and into engagement
with,
relatively stationary slot 62 and notches 64.
In alternative embodiments, not shown, a collar adapter can be securely
mounted to
collar 28 by any known means, in alignment with apertures 54 in platform 12,
the collar
adapter bearing pin receptacles 4fi. In such embodiment, no holes need be made
in collar 28
to accommodate reception of pins 30 into receptacles 46 since receptacles 46
are embodied
in the adapter.
Those skilled in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made
to the
apparatus and methods herein disclosed with respect to the illustrated
embodiments, without
departing from the spirit of the instant invention. And while the invention
has been described
above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that
the invention is
adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations, and all
such
arrangements, modifications, and alterations are intended to be within the
scope of the
appended claims.
To the extent the following claims use means plus function language, it is not
meant
to include there, or in the instant specification, anything not structurally
equivalent to what
is shown in the embodiments disclosed in the specification.
